Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
Russia develops new version of its Su-57 Felon fighter
A two-seat variant of Russia's Su-57 Felon fighter conducted ground taxi trials, confirmed by military aviation blogger Ilya Tumanov on May 16, 2023. The aircraft features an elongated fuselage for a second cockpit and is primarily intended for export. Algeria has become the first confirmed foreign operator of the Su-57, while Russia has faced losses of the aircraft due to drone strikes.
Ukraine strikes Russian naval vessel in Caspian Sea
Ukrainian drone forces struck a Russian Svetlyak-class patrol boat in the Caspian Sea on May 17, 2026. The attack, executed by a Fire Point FP-1 drone, occurred in the port area of Kaspiisk, Dagestan, highlighting Ukraine's extended operational reach. This incident marks the third drone strike on Russian naval vessels in recent months, indicating a developing pattern of Ukrainian military operations in the region.
Ukraine launches major drone strike on Moscow
Ukraine launched over 130 drones in a major strike on Moscow overnight into May 17, targeting industrial facilities and causing significant disruptions, including the suspension of operations at all four major airports. The attack resulted in injuries to 12 individuals and fires at key industrial sites, reflecting Ukraine's strategic focus on degrading Russian military and industrial capabilities. This operation follows a week of intense Russian aerial bombardment against Ukraine.
Russian Media: Russia's Drone Strike Plan is More Practical than the West's
Russia is developing specialized 5.45mm multi-warhead ammunition for AK-12 and AK-74 rifles to effectively target FPV drones. This initiative aims to enhance the capabilities of infantry against drone threats, contrasting with Western efforts focused on automated fire control systems. The Russian solution is viewed as more practical and cost-effective for widespread military use.
Russia Begins Construction of the Ninth 22350-Class Frigate
The Russian Navy has commenced the construction of the 9th Project 22350 frigate, named after Admiral Felix Gromov, at the Northern Shipyard in Saint Petersburg on May 14, 2023. This frigate is designed for long-range missions and is equipped with advanced weaponry, including Kalibr cruise missiles and Zircon hypersonic missiles. The Russian Navy emphasizes the urgent need for such vessels to enhance its operational capabilities.
Spring 2026 and the New European Defence Architecture: From Steadfast Deterrence to the UK-EU Partnership
NATO conducted the Steadfast Deterrence 2026 exercise in Norway, involving 32,500 personnel, to enhance collective defense planning. Concurrently, the U.S. Army's Sword 26 exercise tested warfighting capabilities across Germany, Poland, and other nations. The UK and EU are set to sign a Security and Defence Partnership on 19 May 2026, marking a significant step in post-Brexit defense cooperation.
Alexandra ReevesSat May 16 2026Loading...Russia claims to have destroyed Ukrainian ammunition depots; Ukraine claims to have struck important Russian targets.
On October 15, Russian forces struck Ukrainian military positions in Donetsk Oblast and destroyed an ammunition depot in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. During the same timeframe, Russian air defense systems intercepted over 50 Ukrainian drones in Belgorod, Bryansk, and Kaluga Oblasts. Concurrently, Ukrainian forces targeted key Russian assets, including oil refineries and ammunition depots.
Death toll in Kyiv residential building rises to 24: Escalation spiral after the largest two-day airstrikes by Russian forces
Russian forces conducted a large-scale airstrike on a residential building in Kyiv on May 14-15, 2026, killing at least 24 people, including children. In response, Ukraine launched drone strikes targeting Russian infrastructure, including an oil refinery in Ryazan, resulting in additional casualties. This escalation marks a significant increase in military operations and complicates ongoing diplomatic efforts for peace negotiations.
Dmitri VolkovFri May 15 2026Loading...
Russia’s Tu-160M Blackjack Bomber Is Armed With 6 Kh-55SM Cruise Missiles — Each Can Carry a 200-Kiloton Thermonuclear Warhead
Russia is upgrading the Tu-160M Blackjack bomber with advanced technologies and armament, including up to 6 Kh-55SM cruise missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. The upgrades aim to enhance the bomber's capabilities while the PAK DA stealth bomber is delayed. Rostec plans to produce 2 new Tu-160Ms annually, targeting a fleet of 10 by 2027.
Ukraine responds to mass Russian strike with large overnight attack
Ukraine launched a large-scale retaliatory strike campaign overnight into May 15, targeting Russian military and industrial infrastructure across multiple regions. Key strikes included the Ryazan oil refinery, resulting in casualties, and attacks on military assets such as aircraft and air defense systems in Crimea and Luhansk Oblast. This operation aimed to disrupt Russian military capabilities and logistics.
A Historical Shift in Japan's Defense Equipment Export Policy and Its Strategic Implications for Maritime Security in Northeast Asia: An Analysis of Trends as of May 2026
Japan's government revised its defense export policy on April 21, 2026, allowing the export of lethal defense equipment. On May 5, Japan agreed to transfer destroyers to the Philippines, marking a significant shift in military cooperation. Concurrently, Russia's Pacific Fleet conducted unusual movements through the Tsushima Strait, while North Korea announced plans for new military capabilities, including a long-range artillery system.
Tanaka TakashiFri May 15 2026Loading...Governor of Ryazan Oblast: Ukrainian Drone Attack on Capital Results in 3 Deaths and 12 Injuries
Ukrainian drones attacked the city of Ryazan on May 15, resulting in 3 deaths and 12 injuries. Multiple high-rise residential buildings were damaged, and an industrial facility was struck. There has been no response from Ukrainian officials regarding the incident.
Russia launches record drone and missile assault on Ukraine
Russia launched the largest drone and missile assault on Ukraine from May 13 to 14, 2026, deploying 1,567 strike drones and missiles. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 1,362 drones and 41 missiles, while three Kinzhal missiles successfully hit their targets. The operation utilized Belarus and Moldova as transit corridors, indicating a significant escalation in tactics. The sustained assault aimed to exhaust Ukrainian defenses and degrade their response capabilities.
Ukraine claims Russian military launched drone attacks in multiple locations, no response from Russia yet.
On May 13, 2023, the Russian Army conducted large-scale drone attacks across multiple regions in Ukraine, including Transcarpathia, Lviv, and Ivano-Frankivsk. The assaults involved at least 800 drones, resulting in six fatalities and numerous injuries. Local officials described this as the largest attack since the conflict began, with explosions reported in various communities and ongoing air raid alerts in affected cities.
Russia successfully tests new intercontinental ballistic missile, Putin: This missile system will be put on combat duty by the end of this year.
Russia successfully tested the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile on December 12, 2023, confirming its operational readiness by the end of the year. President Putin stated that the missile, capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads and with a range exceeding 35,000 kilometers, will significantly enhance Russia's strategic nuclear capabilities. The test was reported by the Russian Strategic Rocket Forces, indicating a major advancement in their military arsenal.
The Ceasefire That Wasn't: Russia's Post-Victory Day Escalation and the Deepening Crisis of Air Defense
On May 13, 2026, Russian forces launched over 200 one-way attack drones across Ukraine, targeting residential areas and energy infrastructure, resulting in civilian casualties. The strikes occurred in multiple regions, including Dnipropetrovsk and Kyiv, following the collapse of a ceasefire. Ukrainian forces simultaneously executed deep-strike operations against Russian oil facilities, highlighting vulnerabilities in Russia's air defense.
Dmitri VolkovWed May 13 2026Loading...
Russia claims a gas processing plant was attacked by Ukraine; Ukraine claims multiple locations were struck by Russian forces.
Ukrainian forces launched drone attacks on a gas processing plant in Astrakhan on May 13, with all drones intercepted. In retaliation, Russian forces targeted residential areas and infrastructure in Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Odesa, and Poltava, resulting in casualties. Ukrainian air defense successfully shot down 111 drones during these operations.
The Broken Truce: How the Victory Day Ceasefire Collapse Exposes the Fragility of US-Led Mediation and Accelerates Europe's Defense Reckoning
On May 9, 2026, a US-mediated ceasefire began but quickly unraveled, with both Russia and Ukraine reporting numerous violations. By May 12, Russia launched 216 attack drones at Ukraine, resulting in civilian casualties, while Ukraine retaliated with drone strikes deep into Russian territory. The EU responded with new sanctions against Russia, highlighting the ongoing conflict's escalation and the failure of diplomatic efforts to achieve lasting peace.
Dmitri VolkovWed May 13 2026Loading...Russian Presidential Press Secretary: Special Military Operation Can End at Any Time
Russian presidential spokesperson Peskov stated that the special military operation can end at any time if Ukraine makes the necessary decisions regarding a ceasefire. Putin expressed willingness to meet with Zelensky and welcomed U.S. mediation. Following the ceasefire for Victory Day, the Russian Armed Forces resumed military operations. Zelensky announced a unilateral ceasefire starting June 6, urging Russia to take genuine steps to end the war.
The Ceasefire Mirage: What the May 2026 Truce Violations Reveal About Russia's Strategic Position
Russian forces conducted 150 assaults and over 100 artillery shelling incidents during a ceasefire from May 9-11, 2026, revealing a significant military operation despite diplomatic efforts. The Russian military's territorial losses and reliance on infiltration tactics indicate a decline in offensive capabilities. Concurrently, Germany strengthened defense ties with Ukraine, signaling a shift in European military support. The overall strategic situation increasingly favors the defender, with Russia's operational challenges becoming more pronounced.
Dmitri VolkovTue May 12 2026Loading...
